We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Monique Morales. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Monique below.
Hi Monique, thank you for being such a positive, uplifting person. We’ve noticed that so many of the successful folks we’ve had the good fortune of connecting with have high levels of optimism and so we’d love to hear about your optimism and where you think it comes from.
My optimism is something I credit entirely to my dad. He became a father at just 15, so in many ways, we grew up together. From a young age, he taught me that life is short and meant to be lived fully. That means chasing your dreams, learning from your mistakes, and always choosing growth over fear.
One of his favorite sayings was “Hakuna Matata” and he truly lived by it. He reminded me that we’re all human, and that failing isn’t the end, it’s part of the process. He also instilled in me the importance of kindness. You never know the battles someone might be facing, so choose to be the light.
That perspective has shaped how I live, create, and show up for others. It’s part of why I find so much joy in photography, mentorships, and capturing people in their most authentic moments while being a source of light during some of the most meaningful moments of their lives.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m a wedding and lifestyle photographer based in Michigan, and I’ve been documenting love stories, real moments, and everything in between for over 12 years. My style blends editorial storytelling with a documentary approach. I’m drawn to honest connection, effortless beauty, and the in between moments that often go unnoticed. I believe the best images are the ones that make you feel emotions.
What makes my work so special to me is the trust my clients place in me. I’m invited into deeply personal chapters of their lives, weddings, milestones, everyday magic, and I don’t take that lightly. I’m not just here to snap pretty images, I’m here to hold space, to celebrate, to capture what matters most in a way that feels authentic and timeless.
What’s been exciting lately is the evolution of my brand. After over a decade in this industry, I’ve been intentionally shifting toward serving a more luxury and experience focused clientele, while staying rooted in the same values: human connection, intentional storytelling, and a seamless, heartfelt experience from start to finish.
In addition to photography, I also offer mentorships for photographers and creatives. I’m passionate about community over competition and love helping others find clarity and confidence in their own journey, while learning the skills to build a business they will be passionate about.
Whether I’m behind the camera or cheering someone on from the sidelines, my goal is always the same, to be a source of light, creativity, and realness in everything I do.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back, three qualities have shaped my journey the most and that is resilience, connection, and curiosity.
Resilience has carried me through the hard seasons, the slow bookings, the self doubt, the mistakes that felt like setbacks. I’ve learned that failure isn’t the opposite of success, it’s part of the process. If you can embrace the messy middle, you’ll find growth on the other side. My advice to photographers beginning is give yourself permission to be imperfect. Keep showing up, even when it’s hard.
Connection has been at the heart of everything I do. Photography is so much more than photos, it’s about the people. Building genuine relationships with clients, peers, and even industry professionals has opened doors I couldn’t have imagined. My advice here is to be kind, be professional, and be authentically YOU. The energy you put out will always circle back to you.
Curiosity has kept me evolving. I’ve never stopped learning about light, marking, social media, trends, about business, about people. The moment you think you know it all is the moment growth stops. For those starting out, stay hungry. Ask questions. Try things that scare you creatively. Growth comes when you push the edges of your comfort zone. It is okay to fail and make mistakes along the way. We are human, remember that!
No matter where you’re starting from, lean into who YOU are and trust that your unique voice is your superpower.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
Absolutely! I’m always open to meaningful collaborations and partnerships that align with my values and creative vision. I love working with other photographers, planners, stylists, makeup artists, florists, and creatives who are passionate about storytelling, details, and creating intentional, elevated experiences for clients.
I’m especially interested in collaborating on styled shoots, editorial projects, brand storytelling, and educational opportunities within the photography and creative community. I also love partnering with brands that align with authenticity, beauty, and human connection. Whether through content creation, photo shoots, or behind the scenes storytelling.
If you’re reading this and feel like we’d make a great team, I’d love to hear from you! You can connect with me through my website or social media.
Let’s create some memories together!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://midnightphotography70.mypixieset.com
- Instagram: @midnightphotographyllc
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/midnightphotography616
Image Credits
Midnight Photography, LLC
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